Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a colorless liquid at normal atmospheric pressure and temperatures less than 19°C. Above 19°C, HF turns into a gas. It is also a weak acid that is extremely corrosive. HF can exist as a colorless gas or as a fuming liquid, or it can be dissolved in water.

IMPORTANT!

HF must always be stored in polyethylene or Teflon containers.

Sources of Hydrogen Fluoride are refrigerants, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, high-octane gasoline, aluminum, plastics, electrical components, and fluorescent light bulbs. Sixty percent of the hydrogen fluoride used in industrial settings are manufacturing refrigerants. It also used for etching glass and metal.

Hydrofluoric acid can dissolve silicates and glasses, using the reaction shown below: